Fire officials say Detroit apartment building blaze was arson; accelerant found in rubble

Firefighters battle a four-alarm fire at a three-story apartment complex Wednesday morning, March 5, 2014 on Detroit's west side. An official says the fire forced some people to jump to escape. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Robert Allen) DETROIT NEWS OUT; NO SALES (The Associated Press)

DETROIT – Investigators say a fire that destroyed a Detroit apartment building and forced some adults and children to leap from second- and third-floor windows was set intentionally.

Detroit Fire Arson Chief Charles Simms says Wednesday's blaze at the Jason Manor Apartments has been labeled arson. Fire Commissioner Jonathan Jackson says an accelerant was found in the rubble.

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Crews on Thursday were pumping water from lower-level apartments in the three-story building. Heavy equipment will be used to remove more debris. No deaths have been reported, but police cadaver dogs will search for possible victims.

The blaze was reported about 6 a.m. Wednesday. At least four people were hospitalized.

Police were called to the building earlier Wednesday for a reported sexual assault. It's not known whether that's related to the fire.